We made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and the kids got the cot out like we did last spring, guess it's a Conference tradition now! The kids worked on our Restoration book, did some puzzles, painted, played some jelly bean Bingo and built with Legos while we watched.
The speakers all based their talks on Joseph Smith, the Restoration and how it is ongoing, the Book of Mormon, and components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has been restored to the earth. It was interesting with no live choir or audience. They were in a room in the Church Office Building, spread 6 feet apart and there weren't any more than 10 in the room. Quite a contrast to what it normally was. But the Spirit was the same, the messages were superb! They brought the peace and assurance I needed right now. I always love General Conference, but was especially looking forward to this one, with the pandemic going on right now, an earthquake in UT all of our family experienced a couple of weeks ago, and more.
A new symbol for the church was introduced that would be on all Church communications, which was neat. There is a box around the name of the Church, under the Savior representing that he is the chief cornerstone of who we are and what we do. There is a depiction of the Cristus by Bertel Thorvaldsen in the center with an arch over him, representing . Something cool that I learned from one of the speakers is that this statue was being worked on in 1820, when Joseph Smith had his First Vision. What a connection. It was originally put in the Church of our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1821. The Church got it's first replica as a gift in the 1950's and then a larger one was added for the World's Fair that is in the Visitor's Center. This new symbol will emphasize Christ's centrality to our faith.
Someone spoke about how Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph's mother, was upset about Joseph Smith, Sr. not wanting to join any churches. Although a religious man, he didn't feel the need to join any. Lucy, kind of distraught, went out and prayed about the situation in the grove. I also heard this story on the podcast I was listening to and I never remember reading or hearing about it. Joseph and his family knew of this situation. As Lucy was out there praying, she received the impression that it was okay and everyone would be alright. If Lucy hadn't gone out to pray and set that example, I wonder if Joseph would have thought of doing that after reading in James? I thought of my own praying mother, who would be locked in the bathroom praying every morning (and many other times). She set an example for me and she knows how to hear the voice of the Lord. That is something I'm still working on and am grateful that President Nelson said that hearing Him takes a lifetime to become proficient at.
Saturday night was a great session, and some highlights included that two teenagers that spoke. That hasn't happened for a long time, as I've been listening to old Conference talks and they used to have those not holding a Church position speak quite a bit, but not since I remember growing up. They spoke powerfully of the Priesthood power and truth restored.
Before Cal went to bed Saturday night, he quoted Elder Rasband and told me to ask him why he was reading. So I did, a little curious. He said with a smile on his face "Because I want to know that you to know that I know that I like to read before bed to calm me down." We both giggled and he told me he really does listen to General Conference. He may not watch it, but he listens and thinks about it.
Sunday was just as amazing as Saturday, only better! The morning talks and music (that was prerecorded) were wonderful! Then, we were able to participate in a solemn assembly and Hosanna shout together. This is the first time any of our kids besides Emma has been able to do this. This was in commemoration and to give thanks for the First Vision, the Restoration and Jesus Christ. It was such a sweet and sacred experience. The Spirit was so strong! Lucy helped me make a few more handkerchiefs for the occasion and Lucy even chose a stitch for the border that looked like palm leaves. So that was neat. By the time we got to "The Spirit of God", I couldn't sing most of the words. I was crying too hard to get many lyrics out. I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
To keep busy, the kids water colored eggs for cards we were making, we painted a Restoration stained glass window type of art, and we played Conference Bingo with Jelly Beans. I heard *most* of Conference but grateful they publish the talks so quickly. My note cards filled up quickly. I made some packets for the Young Women of our Branch and made them for me and the President, too. I loved coloring in the ties or shirts and I usually take notes on index cards, but had fun doing this little booklet. I worked on it before, studying and keeping notes from Joseph Smith's First Vision accounts. My testimony grew from participating in this activity!
President Nelson, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve also released a new bicentennial Proclamation which he read from the Sacred Grove. It was powerful. I am looking forward to studying it!
We had more temples announced, including a couple in Africa, a few in the States, one in South America and the Shanghai of the People's Republic of China (WHHAAT!? Amazing!) and Dubai, United Arab Emirates! The work is moving forward! I've been thinking of what my role is in this ongoing restoration. What am I doing? What can I start or stop doing to contribute more to the Gathering and letting others know about the glorious Restoration? I keep thinking of the scripture that "it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor" (D&C 88:82).
Right after Conference, we did a Zoom video with all the Stoddard family and talked about our favorite parts or something we learned. Adam told a cool story about Meghan. She had been wanting to make a dress for Ruby for her baptism with her wedding dress, but felt this week before Conference she should use the sash to make handkerchiefs. So that's what she did. When they announced the Hosanna shout, they knew why. My mom also talked about what a great missionary tool the fast could be. I hadn't thought of it that way. We talked to Dave's parents that night also and Dave's mom emphasized how miracles were about to happen. I love my family and how much they teach me. I'm grateful for their faithfulness in Hearing Him and for the invitation for us all to hear Him each day.
